A familiar sight is ushering in the holiday season around St. Louis as The Salvation Army kicks off its Red Kettle Campaign. And this year, you may start seeing the signature kettles in unfamiliar places. Especially this weekend.

It’s a tradition that’s been upheld in St. Louis for decades and represents hope for the struggling: the sound of a small, ringing bell alongside a bright-red kettle. The money raised from The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign is being used to help more people than ever before, and as a result, volunteers donning kettles and bells may now be seen at intersections and on street corners throughout St. Louis city and county.

More than 200 volunteers will be in full force this weekend from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 35 different intersections in St. Louis County and on street corners throughout St. Louis city, and in front of 85 stores throughout the area, all collecting donations for the Red Kettle Campaign, a component of the Tree of Lights Campaign, which serves as the primary funding source for the Army’s programs and services throughout the year.

Last year, area kettles collected more than $1.9 million, helping more than 200,000 individuals, families, and children across the St. Louis Metro area. These funds provide a Christmas to those who would otherwise go without and also helps fund food pantries, rent and utility assistance, housing for displaced veterans, and more.

For more information or to volunteer and make a personal difference this holiday season, visit www.ringbells.org/stl or contact Angie Merseal, Salvation Army Tree of Lights Director, at 314-646-3193.